Black market learning aids

The book examines learning support initiatives in Vienna that address the social problem of educational disadvantage at the interface between the education and welfare systems. Expert interviews with project managers and political decision-makers were conducted and analysed thematically. The phenomenon of extracurricular learning support is examined sociologically using educational theory approaches and Groenemeyer’s ’sociology of social problems’ and located in the social economy market. In view of the economisation of social work, the extracurricular learning support market is described as a quasi-market, with a focus on the functions of NPOs, their environmental relationships, socio-political tensions, forms of financing, employment relationships and volunteer work. From the perspective of social economy organisations, the structural framework conditions (role of social policy, legal basis, financing and funding structure, and personnel structure) are examined and shown to influence function and setting.